Synthetic Hair Styling Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a synthetic hair styling apparatus, and a method of using the same to curl or otherwise style synthetic hair. The device includes an electrically heated bottle having an insulated body, a handle, a lid, and a heating unit. The device may be connected to a power adapter so that the heating unit may heat the water contained within the insulated body to a desired temperature. Thereafter, the insulated body maintains the temperature of the water for an extended period of time. The insulated body is constructed to receive strands of synthetic hair therein, so as to wet the hair with hot water without applying excessive heat directly to the hair. The device may be carried via the handle to prevent the user from burning his or her hand. In this way, the present invention provides a convenient and safe method of styling synthetic hair.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/859,477 filed on Jul. 29, 2013. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for curling synthetic hairand method of using the same. More specifically, the present inventionpertains to an improved synthetic hair curling apparatus having a hollowcavity that is adapted to heat and insulate hot water therein. Thedevice may be used to curl a wide variety of synthetic hair.

Similar to human hair, synthetic hair is a polymer that is composed offine plastic fibers, manufactured to look like human hair. In its basicform, synthetic hair is made from low-grade acrylic that is heated andstrung into strands to make individual hair fibers. The strands are thenlaced or tied into extensions and hair pieces. Conversely, the moresophisticated form of synthetic hair is made from fibers of modacrylic,vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, polyester, and nylon. Synthetichair usually comes in weave or single strands for braids. Synthetic hairextensions offer versatility without sacrificing natural hair. Dependingon the quality and hair type, synthetic hair can be washed, curled,dyed, or otherwise styled.

Traditional methods of curling synthetic hair with a curling iron,however, are not only time consuming, but they can damage the hair overtime. For instance, using a curling iron and applying excessive heatdirectly to the synthetic hair can cause the synthetic hair to melt.Additionally, applying direct heat can damage the fibers and loosen thewefts of hair from the base of the extensions or hair piece.

The present invention discloses an apparatus for heating water, whereinthe same is used for styling synthetic hair. The present inventioncomprises an insulated body with an open top, and a handle disposedalong its exterior surface. The device also includes an insulated capthat is adapted to twist onto the opening of the insulated body, whichis adapted to hold water. The device is electrically powered to heat thewater to a desired temperature to provide hot water to curl or otherwisealter the texture of synthetic hair. Thereafter, the insulated bodykeeps the water at the heated temperature for an extended period of timewhile the user styles his or her hair. The insulated body and the handleprevent the user from contacting the water, thereby preventing the userfrom scalding his or her hands. In this way, the present inventionprovides a convenient alternative to traditional method of curlingsynthetic hair that require users to directly apply heat to synthetichair.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to electricalthermoses, and further to those emphasizing temperature control to keepfood contents at a desired temperature. These include devices that havebeen patented and published in patent application publications. Thesedevices, however, do not disclose a water heating device with thespecific purpose of styling synthetic hair. The following is a list ofdevices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are hereindescribed for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating theunique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting thedrawbacks existing in the prior art.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 7,091,455 to Fung discloses an electric thermos jug comprisingdouble-layered insulated body, a safety valve, a lid, a handle, aheating unit, and a base. While the Fung device provides heat near thebottom portion of the insulated body and maintains hot temperatureinside the jug for an extended period of time, the purpose and design ofthe Fung device differ from the present invention. The present inventiondiscloses a wide opening that is adapted to receive synthetic hairtherethrough. In this way, the present invention provides of method ofcurling synthetic hair without directly applying excessive heat, whichcould damage the hair.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,508 to Miyaji discloses an electricallyheated vacuum bottle comprising a jug shaped container having anelectric heater and a thermostat disposed along its lower portion. Thejug shaped container comprises an inner and outer layer with a vacuumspace therebetween. The inner layer comprises the electric heater forheating contents within the inner layer. While the Miyaji deviceprovides a vacuum bottle equipped with a thermostat and an electricheater for boiling or heating water or the like contained therein, thedevice of Miyaji is limited in the fact that it does not indicate to theuser whether the contents of the inner layer are cool or hot. Thepresent invention comprises an illuminating light which indicate whetherthe water contained in the apparatus is cool or hot. In this way, thepresent invention provides a safety feature to prevent the user fromscalding.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,943,323 to Iannucci discloses a battery operatedself-heating thermos container having integral heating that is coiledalong the length of the container. The container is insulated so that itis cool to the touch from the outside of the container. The device ofIannucci, however, is adapted to heat food for consumption.Additionally, the device of Iannucci do not comprise a handle, making itinconvenient to carry. In contrast, the present invention provides aninsulated heating apparatus that is adapted to provide heat to synthetichair without damaging the same. Additionally, the present inventioncomprises a handle with a gripping surface so as to allow the user toeasily carry the device while styling hair.

Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 8,344,290 to Hinton discloses a spraybottle fluid heating system having thermostatic control and automaticcondensate recovery. The device comprises an insulated spray bottlehaving a heating element built into the bottle. The device furthercomprises a base, which provides power to the heating element of thespray bottle when the bottle is connected to the base. While the deviceof Hinton allows a user to dispense warmed water via a spray nozzle ofthe bottle, the device of Hinton is limited in the fact that it does notdisclose a wide opening that is constructed to receive synthetic hairwhile it is wrapped around hair rollers or perm rods. As such, theHinton device requires a user to spray warm water onto the hair, whichwould be time consuming and inconvenient. Additionally, the water maynot be hot enough to effectively curl synthetic hair. In contrast, thepresent invention provides a thermos that has a wide enough opening toreceive at least one strand of synthetic hair that is wrapped aroundhair rollers or perm rods.

The present invention has a number of advantages over existing methodsof curling and styling synthetic hair, in particular in the use of anapparatus for heating and maintaining water at a hot temperature. Thepresent invention discloses a device having a wide opening so that auser can insert synthetic hair into the cavity of the present devicewhile it is wrapped around hair curlers or perm rods of various sizes.Additionally, the present invention is designed to be portable so thatthe user can unplug the power adapter and carry the device via a handlewhile styling his or her hair. It is therefore submitted that thepresent invention substantially diverges in design elements from theprior art, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices,and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for animprovement to existing insulated water heating devices. In this regardthe instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofinsulated water heating devices now present in the prior art, thepresent invention provides a new improvement to synthetic hair stylingapparatus wherein the same can be utilized for providing a convenientdevice for the user for heating water to curl and style a wide varietyof synthetic hair.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved synthetic hair styling apparatus and method of using the samethat has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of thedisadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved synthetic hair styling apparatus that curls synthetic hairwithout directly applying excessive heat to the hair.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedsynthetic hair styling apparatus having a heating unit in an insulatedbody for heating water and maintaining water temperature therein for anextended period of time.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a wide opening adaptedto receive synthetic hair that is wrapped around hair rollers or permrods.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a safety featurecomprising an illuminating light that indicates whether the temperatureof the water is hot or cold.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a rechargeablebattery and a plug-in power adapter to increase portability to the user.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having differenttemperature settings to accommodate various hair types.

Still yet another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved method of styling synthetic hair using a water heatingapparatus that curls synthetic hair without directly applying excessiveheat to the hair.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the synthetic hair styling apparatus and the method of usingthe same. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear descriptionof the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed asused for heating water to curl and style a wide variety of synthetichair. The figures are intended for representative purposes only andshould not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of thepresent invention. The synthetic hair styling apparatus of the presentinvention comprises an insulated container 21 having a stainless steelouter 22 and inner layer 36 with an airless vacuum space therebetween.The inner layer 36 comprises an open top, a closed bottom wall, and sidewalls extending vertically therefrom, forming a cavity that is adaptedto hold water therein. The outer layer 22 also comprises an open top, aclosed bottom wall, and side walls extending vertically therefrom,forming a cavity that is adapted to hold the inner layer 36 therein.

The outer layer 22 comprises a handle 25 having a gripping portion 26thereon. The handle 25 comprises a first and a second end, wherein eachof the ends are attached to the outer layer 22, forming an elongatedaperture between the handle 25 and the outer layer 22 in which theuser's hand can be positioned while grasping the handle 25. In theillustrated embodiment, the handle 25 is integrally formed as part ofthe outer layer 22. In other embodiments, however, the handle 25 may beindependently formed and attached to the outer layer 22 via strongadhesives or other attachment means. The gripping portion 26 comprises aheat insulating material such as a molded foam rubber or silicone toprovide cushioning and comfort to the user while grasping the handle 25.The gripping portion 26 wraps around the circumference of the handle 25and spans the middle portion thereof.

The top portion of the inner layer 36 and the top portion of the outerlayer 22 form an edge to create an opening 34 having a perimeter. Theopening 34 is dimensioned so that a user may insert several strands ofsynthetic hair into the inner layer 36 while the hair is wrapped aroundhair rollers, perm rods, or the like. In this way, the user can stylehair in a more time-efficient manner. The opening 34 further comprises athreaded element adapted to receive the threaded element disposed alongthe bottom of an associated lid 23. The lid 23 may be also composed ofstainless steel or other suitable material. The lid 23 comprises arounded top portion 37 and a lower portion 41 that extends downwardtherefrom. The lower portion 41 comprises a plurality of threadedelements 35 so that the lid 23 may be twisted onto the opening 34 of thecontainer 21. The perimeter of the rounded top portion 37 extends pastthe perimeter of the lower portion 41 so that the perimeter of the topportion 37 can rest against the upper portion 39 of the container 21,creating a seal. Additionally, the user may grip the perimeter of thetop portion 37 to twist open or close the lid 23.

The bottom portion 40 of the container 21 includes a heating unithousing 27 which encloses electrical components therein. The housing 27comprises a power switch 32 which is mounted for limited movement on thehousing 27. The housing 27 may also provide a temperature control switch44 so that the device may be heated to different temperatures. In thisway, the present invention may accommodate various hair texture types.For instance, a higher temperature setting may be used for more coarseor thick hair, or if curlier hair is desired. In some embodiments, thepresent invention may comprise a display unit indicating a heatingtemperature.

The housing 27 also comprises a light indicator 38 that is used toindicate whether the temperature of the water contained in the innerlayer 36 is cooled or hot. More specifically, the light indicator 38 mayturn red if the temperature of the water is too hot for handling.Conversely, the light indicator 38 may turn green if the temperature ofthe water is cooled to allow the user to empty the water containedtherein or otherwise clean the device for a later use. Accordingly, thelight indicator 38 provides a safety feature, and helps reduce the riskof scalding.

The housing 27 further comprises a port 33 for the power adapter 24. Thepower adapter 24 includes a first end 30 and a second end 31, whereinthe first end 30 comprises an adapter 28 that is constructed to insertinto the port 33 disposed on the housing. The second end 31 comprises aplug 29 that is adapted to insert into an electrical outlet, therebyproviding power to the electrical components enclosed within the housing27. The power adapter 24 may be unplugged after water is heated to adesired temperature. In this way, the user may easily carry the presentinvention without maneuvering around the excess line of the poweradapter. Additionally, the power adaptor 24 charges a rechargeablebattery enclosed in the housing 27 so that the device may be used whenan electrical outlet is not available without inconveniencing the user.Accordingly, the present device may further comprise a display unitindicating a battery level.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there are shown cross-sectional views ofvarious embodiments of the present invention. As disclosed previously,the outer layer 22 comprises a cavity that is adapted to receive theinner layer 36 therein. The depth of the inner layer 36 less than thedepth of the outer layer 22 so that the inner layer 36 does not span theentire length of the outer layer 22 and provides room for heating unithousing 27 disposed thereunder. The heating unit housing 27 compriseselectrical components. The electrical components comprise a heatingelement 42, a light indicator 38, power switch 32, a port 33, atemperature control switch 44, and a thermostat 45. These components maybe powered by an external or internal power source, such as arechargeable battery 46.

The present invention preferably includes a heating element as may befound in a conventional water heating apparatus. More specifically, theheating element 42 may be composed of nichrome (80% nickel, 20%chromium) wire, ribbon, or strip. Nichrome has relatively highresistance and forms an adherent layer of chromium oxide when it isheated for the first time. When the chromium oxide is formed, nichromewill not oxidize, preventing the wire, ribbon, or strip from breaking orburning out. In one embodiment, the heating element 42 may be disposedalong the bottom of the inner layer 36 so as to heat the water containedtherein from the bottom. Alternatively, the heating element 42 may bedisposed along the length of the inner layer 36 so as to heat the watermore uniformly throughout. The heating element 42 is adapted to heatwater preferably from approximately 60 degrees to approximately 100degrees Celsius.

The thermostat 45 controls the flow of electrical current to the heatingelement 42. The thermostat 45 senses the presence of heat, wherebysensing the presence of heat, the thermostat 45 can control electricalcurrent that is sent to the heating element 42. For instance, when thewater in the inner layer 36 exceeds 100 degrees Celsius, the thermostatwill stop the flow of electricity to the heating element 42. When thewater cools to or below 100 degrees Celsius, the thermostat 45 allowsthe electricity to flow to the heating element 42.

The thermostat 45 also actuates the light indicator 38 so that the lightindicator 38 may turn green or red, depending on the temperature of thewater contained within the inner layer 36. When the temperature is at orbelow approximately 60 degrees Celsius, the light indicator 38 may turngreen to indicate to the user that the water is sufficiently cooled tohandle. Additionally, when the temperature of the water is aboveapproximately 60 degrees Celsius, the light indicator 38 may turn red toindicate to the user that the water has not been sufficiently cooled forsafe handling. In this way, the light indicator 38 provides a safetyfeature to help prevent the user from scalding his or her hands whenusing the device.

The user can control the intensity of the heat provided by the heatingelement 42 via a temperature control switch 44. The temperature controlswitch 44 may allow the user to set the temperature on high, medium, andlow settings. For example, the high setting may heat the water toapproximately 100 degrees Celsius, the medium setting may heat the waterto approximately 72 degrees Celsius, and the low setting may heat thewater to 60 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the temperature setting mayallow the user to increase or decrease the temperature in increments.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of the present inventionin use. As disclosed previously, the present invention is adapted tohold water and heat it to a desired temperature. Once the water isheated to a desired temperature, a user may insert one or more strandsof synthetic hair into the container 21 through the opening 34 thereof,submerging the hair into the heated water. The user may insert strandsof synthetic hair while it is wrapped around a hair curler, a perm rod,or similar hair styling tools. By introducing the hair to heated water,the heat from the water alters the bonding of molecules of the hair. Theheat allows the molecular bonds to lose its normal shape and let themsettle in a new shape, which follows the contours of the hair stylingtool that is used. When the hair is wet, it is taken out of thecontainer 21 so that it may be air dried or dried using a hair dryer ona low setting. Thereafter, hair styling tools are removed from thestrands of hair, leaving the hair curly.

The outer layer 22 is insulated so as to prevent the user from burninghis or her hand while carrying the container 21 or while maneuvering thecontainer 21 around different parts of the user's head. Alternatively,the user may grab the gripping portion 26 of the handle 25 so thecontainer 21 is easier to carry than a conventional receptacle withoutany holding means. The present invention eliminates the need of the userto heat water in an appliance and transferring the heated water into aseparate receptacle, which is both dangerous and inconvenient.Additionally, the present invention provides a convenient and effectivemethod of curling synthetic hair without directly exposing the hair toexcessive heat, which would damage the hair.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A synthetic hair styling apparatus, comprising: acylindrical body having an inner layer and an outer layer; each of saidinner layer and said outer layer having an open top, and a closedbottom, forming a hollow interior; said open top of said inner layeradapted to receive at least one strand of synthetic hair therein; saidhollow interior of said outer layer adapted to enclose said inner layer;said outer layer having a handle; a heating unit having an indicatorlight, a thermometer, a temperature control, a power switch, and a poweradapter port; a power adapter adapted to removably connect to said poweradapter port. 2) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a lid having a rounded top surface and a lowerportion extending downward therefrom; said lower portion having athreaded element; said threaded element of said lid adapted to receive athreaded element disposed on a top portion of said inner layer. 3) Thesynthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handle furthercomprises a gripping surface. 4) The synthetic hair styling apparatus ofclaim 1, said inner layer having a depth that is less than a depth ofsaid outer layer. 5) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1,wherein said indicator light turns green when said thermometerdetermines that a temperature of said water is at or below 60 degreesCelsius. 6) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid indicator light turns red when said thermometer determines that atemperature of said water exceeds 60 degrees Celsius. 7) The synthetichair styling apparatus of claim 1, said heating unit disposed below saidinner layer. 8) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, saidheating unit disposed along a length of said inner layer. 9) A method ofstyling synthetic hair using the synthetic hair styling apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising the steps of: filling a synthetic hair stylingapparatus with water; heating said water to a desired temperature at orbelow 100 degrees Celsius; submerging at least one strand of synthetichair into said water contained in said apparatus while said least onestrand of synthetic hair is wrapped around a hair styling tool; soakingsaid least one strand of synthetic hair in said water; pulling saidleast one strand of synthetic hair out of said apparatus. 10) The methodof claim 9, further comprising the steps of: drying said least onestrand of synthetic hair; unwrapping said least one strand of synthetichair from said hair styling tool. 11) The method of claim 9, whereinsaid hair styling tool comprises a hair roller.